Weaving Connectons:
Alberta's First Annual Basket Retreat
We have made a schedule of morning and afternoon classes, some requiring more than one session to complete. We have 7 teachers offering!!!! SO many creative weavings and art! Each teacher will be paid for their instruction time and materials , (gathering time, soaking time, preparing time included)
I am hoping for sponsors that have more to help those who have less. If cost is a barrier, please contact me. See below for lists of classes for each day.
Descriptions of each class:
Square work: A Rectangular Willow Basket with corners. Using local willow we will create a base, stake it up and use three weaves to build up the sides and border. Some explanation of how to add partitions and handles as time permits.
Recycle Anyone?: This is a fun workshop where participants will prepare some of their own materials. There will be a variety of patterns and techniques that students can try: ornaments, mug matts, neck pouches, baskets. General notes will be provided for all techniques, ready for personal interpretation. Weaves to learn will be check weave, diagonal plaiting and a variety of twills. This is a great way to experiment with flat materials that you can prepare yourself without the additional purchase expenses
Flower filled Wreath: You will learn how to bend willow into a round frame on which a multitude of Jo's amazing dried flowers will then be adorned.
Pine Needle Trinket Basket: Learn how to make a pine needle basket with a garden stone center and three different stitches.
Cattail Twining Basket: A small Cattail Basket to learn the twining technique. Useful and Plentiful. We will use a form, you may choose to bring a bottle to cover or use some styrofoam forms provided.
Reed Gathering Basket: Using commercial reed, participants will create a gathering basket that can be used to collect any variety of country foods or for those quick trips to the store. This is a big basket!
Willow Sunflower: Using a variety of native willow colours, a circular base will be twined and petals and stem added. There should be time for more than one.
Garden Trellis: A Sturdy Frame for your climbing plants, using ditch willows and a jig to hold your uprights.
Willow Basket by Michelle: You will learn from Michelle, her style and techniques, using soaked willows, making these tighter than using fresh willows.
Birch Bark Amulet: Using NWT Birch bark and craft wire, beads and waxed linen, participants will be able to create their own necklace
Berry Basket: A small round gathering basket using native willows. A handle and the slewing technique will be taught.
Maryann has been making baskets for 20+ years. They will last for generations if stored and handled with care and yet compost when their active service is done! Their basic building materials are so readily available, sustainable and plentiful. Baskets are the last remaining technology that can ONLY be made by hand, and so this is a skill she feels honoured to share and maintain.
During Winter Covid times there were limited teachings, online live classes through a community-led Facebook page called Alberta Natural Baskets. There are events listed within, that still contain the live video recordings for viewing and practicing along at make speed (as opposed to teach speed) . They are all offerred in PayWhatYouCan style with etransfers for your donation accepted at goodnotecommunityfarm@gmail.com
If you would like to learn on a one to one basis through summer, outdoors, please contact Maryann to arrange a suitable project and time.
